Retention of workers in the child welfare industry
is difficult. Workers perceive the industry as
temporary and tend to leave when better employment
opportunities are available. This creates an
industry in which there is constant turnover and a
reduced sense of permanency among workers, children,
and their families. In this qualitative assessment
of residential childcare workers in the state of
Pennsylvania, workers provided personal perceptions
regarding their professional development.
Interviews and focus groups with 20 participants
focused on strategies to develop a professional
development model that could affect the retention of
residential childcare workers.
is difficult. Workers perceive the industry as
temporary and tend to leave when better employment
opportunities are available. This creates an
industry in which there is constant turnover and a
reduced sense of permanency among workers, children,
and their families. In this qualitative assessment
of residential childcare workers in the state of
Pennsylvania, workers provided personal perceptions
regarding their professional development.
Interviews and focus groups with 20 participants
focused on strategies to develop a professional
development model that could affect the retention of
residential childcare workers.